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Idaho Fish and Game

Be Careful with Fire, Feed

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Hunters need to remember that the fire hazard on Idaho's wildlands has only been reduced from powderkeg to tinderbox level in many parts of Idaho. Though moisture and cooler temperatures have brought the danger down somewhat from a month ago when many public lands were closed to access, much of Idaho remains extremely dry. Restrictions have been taken off most hunter activities but fires could still erupt from careless smoking, campfire use, or dry vegetation coming in contact with hot vehicle exhausts. October is the most active month for big game hunters and the favorite month of the upland bird seasons. It is also a dry month in Idaho. Hunters also must remember to take certified weed-free feed with them if they are using horses on any public lands in Idaho, including Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas. Restraining the spread of invasive, non-native plant species is always important but is especially crucial while burned-over lands are vulnerable to invasion. Weeds in woods and on rangelands are recognized now as one of the greatest dangers to the future of wildlife as they crowd out the native plants used for forage.